Henfield Joggers Social Group Running Guidance

Overview

Henfield Joggers operates a Wednesday evening social run which is open for all members to attend, of all ages and abilities. It is also an opportunity for potential new members to join us and try us out for the evening, to get to know everyone and experience a little bit of what we are all about.

This guidance is just that, guidance! To be read and understood as to what is expected of those participating in the social run and the responsibilities of those taking part. We strongly suggest each runner does his/her own warm up/warm down routine beforehand.

The Route

Members of the committee will suggest what is considered a suitable route approx. 3-4 days prior to the run and will liaise with other committee members to ensure the suggested route is deemed appropriate and any known hazards or concerns (potential weather conditions etc…) are discussed in advance. The chosen route will generally be an off-road route will then be circulated on Social Media channels for all members to accept or decline attendance.

Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the route is appropriate, taking into account conditions and known hazards, it is still the individual runner’s responsibility to take suitable care when navigating the route and they are responsible for their own health & safety whilst running, as well as their own ability to run the chosen distance/terrain (if in any doubts medical advice should be sought).

Meeting Point

Henfield Leisure Centre @ 7pm for Social Village Runs

Other points to be advised for summer pub runs or monthly handicap series

Briefing

A member of the attending committee will conduct a short pre-run briefing, it is important that everyone listens to all points for their own safety during the run. The briefing will cover points such as:

  • Brief reminder of the route
  • Any known hazards to be aware of during the run
  • The nominated lead ‘front’ & tail ‘rear’ runners
  • Introduction of any guest participants
  • Reminder to keep any dogs under control
  • Reinforce any other concerns applicable to the run
  • A quick count of the number of participants taking part

Roles

Lead (Front Runner) – stay at the front of the run, being fully aware of the route and making sure a suitable pace is maintained to keep the group together. The lead should also stop the run at regular intervals (every mile or so) to ensure everyone can regroup and recover (as required).

Rear (Back Runner) – ensure that they remain at the back, adjusting pace in relation to slower runners in the group.

The Run

The run initially will leave the village (or other venue as agreed), which may mean encountering traffic and crossing some of the main roads in the village, runners should take care and not take unnecessary risks.

The terrain will usually comprise of a mixture of paths, tracks and trails so due care and attention should be taken to the undulating ground and the possibility the conditions underfoot will be changeable through the course of the run.

The social run is not a race, leave that for your training or events! It is conducted at a suitable pace to appeal to all ability types and regular stops will be taken approx. every mile or so to allow everyone to re-group and those less able to have a short period of recovery.

Run-backs – Some of the faster runners at the lead of the group may wish to run back to the back runner at the stop intervals, to ensure a successful re-group and to ensure all at the rear of the group are coping with the run/pace/terrain.

Running the suggested route is undertaken at the runner’s own risk and it is expected that all participants will take due care and attention to protect themselves and look out for their fellow runners. Run together and enjoy the social element of being a club member!

Injury/Abandonment

Should any runner suffer an injury or feel that they need to curtail the run for any reason they should make fellow runners aware. In the event of injury, the race lead should be made aware, so it can be determined if support is needed to help the injured person back to the start point, whether further medical assistance is required and whether to allow the remaining runners to continue the run.

Finishing the Run

When the run finishes at the Leisure Centre (or other agreed point) the lead (or nominated person) will ensure a full count of all runners is undertaken to ensure everyone has returned safely.

Suggested Equipment

  • Running shoes (suitable for changing terrain)
  • Appropriate clothing for the route and weather conditions (consider possible changes of weather during the run)
  • Water
  • Sun Cream application prior (summer pub runs)
  • Hat (summer pub runs)
  • Torch (for Winter evening runs)
  • Reflective HiViz gear (Winter evening runs)